Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences
This mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course val...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Athabasca University Press
2009-02-01
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| Series: | International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/603/1178 |
| _version_ | 1818891698092113920 |
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| author | Jason F. Rhode |
| author_facet | Jason F. Rhode |
| author_sort | Jason F. Rhode |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course value most and what impact they perceive interaction to have on their overall learning experience. This study demonstrated that depending on the specific circumstance, not all forms of interaction may be either equally valued by learners or effective. Participants differentiated among the various learning interactions available and indicated that informal interactions were as important as formal interactions in determining the quality of the online learning experience. Participants also reported the activity of blogging as being equally valued and in some ways superior to instructor-directed asynchronous discussion via the discussion board in a learning management system. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-19T17:44:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-34f17dee4b8440d89af56fc5f9e62a72 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1492-3831 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-19T17:44:56Z |
| publishDate | 2009-02-01 |
| publisher | Athabasca University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning |
| spelling | doaj.art-34f17dee4b8440d89af56fc5f9e62a722022-12-21T20:12:06ZengAthabasca University PressInternational Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning1492-38312009-02-01101Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner PreferencesJason F. RhodeThis mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course value most and what impact they perceive interaction to have on their overall learning experience. This study demonstrated that depending on the specific circumstance, not all forms of interaction may be either equally valued by learners or effective. Participants differentiated among the various learning interactions available and indicated that informal interactions were as important as formal interactions in determining the quality of the online learning experience. Participants also reported the activity of blogging as being equally valued and in some ways superior to instructor-directed asynchronous discussion via the discussion board in a learning management system.http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/603/1178interactionequivalencymixed methodsdistance educationinstructional designself-pacedonline learningonlinelearning environmentsblogsbloggingeducational social softwaresocial networking |
| spellingShingle | Jason F. Rhode Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning interaction equivalency mixed methods distance education instructional design self-paced online learning online learning environments blogs blogging educational social software social networking |
| title | Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences |
| title_full | Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences |
| title_fullStr | Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences |
| title_full_unstemmed | Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences |
| title_short | Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences |
| title_sort | interaction equivalency in self paced online learning environments an exploration of learner preferences |
| topic | interaction equivalency mixed methods distance education instructional design self-paced online learning online learning environments blogs blogging educational social software social networking |
| url | http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/603/1178 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jasonfrhode interactionequivalencyinselfpacedonlinelearningenvironmentsanexplorationoflearnerpreferences |